Baseball Manual Pitch Count Implementation

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Pitch Count Implementation

Rest Chart

High School Pitch Count (Grades 9-12):

0-30 Pitches	0 Days Rest
31-45 Pitches	1 Day Rest
46-65 Pitches	2 Days Rest
66-85 Pitches	3 Days Rest
86-110 Pitches	4 Days Rest

 

Junior High Pitch Count (Grades 7-8):

0-20 Pitches	0 Days Rest
21-35 Pitches	1 Day Rest
36-50 Pitches	2 Days Rest
51-65 Pitches	3 Days Rest
66-85 Pitches	4 Days Rest

General Expectations

During regular season, pitch count limit is determined after each single game appearance.

Only official game pitches will count (not warm up pitches).

Rest is defined as not using a pitcher in a contest.

Rest days are counted for the full day regardless of appearance start time. (ex: Varsity Pitcher throws 95 pitches on Friday. Rest days are Sat, Sun, Mon, and Tues. He is eligible to pitch on Wednesday, not Tuesday night).

A pitcher will be allowed to complete current at-bat even if they hit pitch count LIMIT (threshold) during the at-bat, but must exit as a pitcher after that hitter regardless of recording an out or number of outs in inning.

There are no restrictions on allowing any game day pitcher (starter or reliever) from resuming play in the field after being removed as a pitcher, regardless of pitch count.

There will be NO change to regulations in post-season play (i.e.: no increase in pitch count max or leeway in rest days).

Tournaments or Series:

In multi game series or tournaments, pitch count can be divided into separate appearances as long as combined total does not exceed appropriate pitch count max. Days of rest will be determined by final pitch count of the series or tournament.

(ex: In post season series, starter goes (X) innings for a total pitch count of (X) (amount not exceeding max count) in first game of 3 game series. That same athlete can be used as short reliever in either of next 2 games of the same series, up to combined total pitch count max (85/110). At conclusion of series, combined total number of pitches will determine days of rest based on chart.)

Back to Back Games due to Postponement:

In the case of games that are rained out, and rescheduled on consecutive nights, pitch counts will follow the series protocol.

Double Header:

In the case of a doubleheader, the second game will not serve as a rest day for pitchers who threw in the first game. However, pitch count max can be split up between both games and total pitches after second appearance will determine rest day period.

***If pitcher is used twice in 3-day series, the rest day start period will begin after the second appearance even if there was a day of rest in between.

Pitch Count Accountability and Reporting

UIL Pitching Regulations and procedures apply to all levels of play (Junior High, Freshman, JV, and Varsity).

Each game will need an official pitch counter provided by the home team. The official pitch counter will not be allowed to be in the dugout for varsity games. Coaches/team representative should meet between innings to verify counts. Pitch counts will be verified at the conclusion of the game with a signature on a verification form.

DEC will establish the means for the record of tracking pitches and the protocol for game reporting for both pre-season and district play. DEC will maintain record of pitch counts and establish procedures accordingly.

The home team is responsible for submitting the verification form to their District Chair within 48 hours of the end of the contest for filing.

District Chairs are responsible for keeping the Certification and providing access to those numbers when requested.

In post season, official pitch count verification forms must be uploaded to the UIL on the UIL Baseball web page. The home team will provide the official pitch counter (the same as in regular season games).

Should any dispute arise, the primary source for final pitch count will be the official pitch counter supplied by the home team.

Umpires will NOT have any kind of jurisdiction or involvement in pitch count.

In tournament play – the home team may keep the official pitch counts in the dugout. 

Penalties

Alleged violations of the Pitch Count Rule occurring during the regular season will be handled by the District Executive Committee in accordance with section 29 of the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules.

Alleged violations of the Pitch Count Rule occurring during the post season will be handled by the State Executive Committee in accordance with section 27 of the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules.